Deere, peer stocks slide as FTC and USDA launch agricultural equipment inquiry

What happened: The FTC and USDA announced a joint inquiry into whether agricultural equipment makers and distributors use market power to unfairly squeeze farmers. Regulators are seeking public input from farmers, independent mechanics, and dealership employees. Key numbers: Deere fell 5.0%, CNH Industrial 5.7%, AGCO 5.9%. Why it matters: The inquiry follows an FTC settlement with Deere backed by five state attorneys general guaranteeing farmers the right to repair their own equipment. Findings will shape future legal actions and regulatory rules.

The FTC and USDA announced a joint inquiry into whether agricultural equipment makers and distributors use market power to unfairly squeeze farmers. Regulators are seeking public input from farmers, independent mechanics, and dealership employees.

The inquiry follows an FTC settlement with Deere backed by five state attorneys general guaranteeing farmers the right to repair their own equipment. Findings will shape future legal actions and regulatory rules.